Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters, 59526-59528 [2016-20672]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS 59526 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 168 / Tuesday, August 30, 2016 / Proposed Rules quarantine pests. Appropriate pest controls must be applied in accordance with the operational workplan. If APHIS or the NPPO of Japan finds that a place of production is not complying with the requirements of this section, no fruit from the place of production will be eligible for export to the United States until APHIS and the NPPO of Japan conduct an investigation and both agree that appropriate remedial actions have been implemented. (3) Harvested fruit must be transported to the packinghouse in containers marked to identify the place of production from which the consignment of fruit originated. (c) Packinghouse requirements. (1) All packinghouses that participate in the export program must be approved by and registered with the Japanese NPPO. (2) During the time the packinghouse is in use for exporting persimmons to the United States, the packinghouse may only accept persimmons from registered approved production sites and the fruit must be segregated from fruit intended for other markets. (3) All damaged, deformed, or diseased fruit must be culled at the packinghouse. (4) Boxes or other containers in which the fruit is shipped must be marked to identify the place of production where the fruit originated and the packinghouse where it was packed. (5) The NPPO of Japan must monitor packinghouse operations to verify that the packinghouses are complying with the requirements of the regulations. If the NPPO of Japan finds that a packinghouse is not complying with the requirements of this section, no fruit from the packinghouse will be eligible for export to the United States until APHIS and the NPPO of Japan conduct an investigation and both agree that appropriate remedial actions have been implemented. (d) Sampling. Inspectors from the NPPO of Japan must inspect a biometric sample of the fruit, at a rate determined by APHIS, from each consignment. The inspectors must visually inspect the biometric sample for quarantine pests listed in the operational workplan required by paragraph (a) of this section and must cut fruit, at a rate determined by APHIS, to inspect for quarantine pests that are internal feeders. If quarantine pests are detected in this inspection, the consignment will be prohibited from export to the United States. (e) Phytosanitary certificate. Each consignment of persimmons must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate of inspection issued by the Japan NPPO with an additional VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:56 Aug 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 declaration stating that the fruit in the consignment were grown, packed, and inspected and found to be free of pests in accordance with the requirements of 7 CFR 319.56–76. Done in Washington, DC, this 24th day of August 2016. Kevin Shea, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2016–20724 Filed 8–29–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2015–7095; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–085–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S–92A helicopters. This proposed AD would require removing from service the tail gearbox center housing (housing) when it has 12,200 or more hours time-in-service (TIS). This proposed AD is prompted by fatigue analysis conducted by Sikorsky that determined the housing required a retirement life. The proposed actions are intended to prevent a crack in the housing, which could lead to loss of tail rotor drive and loss of helicopter control. SUMMARY: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 31, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– 7095; or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800Winged-S or 203–416–4299; email sikorskywcs@sikorsky.com. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristopher Greer, Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone 781– 238–7799; email Kristopher.Greer@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring E:\FR\FM\30AUP1.SGM 30AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 168 / Tuesday, August 30, 2016 / Proposed Rules expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion We propose to adopt a new AD for Sikorsky Model S–92A helicopters with a housing, part number (P/N) 92358– 06107–043, installed. This proposed AD would establish a life limit of 12,200 hours TIS for the housing by requiring that the housing be removed from service when it reaches 12,200 hours TIS. This proposed AD is prompted by an analysis conducted by Sikorsky on the Model S–92A helicopter for a gross weight increase that revealed higher than expected loads. The housing currently has no life limit. Sikorsky’s analysis, which used updated load conditions and updated fatigue analysis software, determined housings that remain in service beyond 12,200 hours TIS present an unacceptable risk of cracking. This condition could result in loss of tail rotor drive and loss of helicopter control. detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings This proposed AD would require, before further flight, removing from service any tail gearbox housing, P/N 92358–06107–043, that has 12,200 or more hours TIS. We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and 4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. Costs of Compliance List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs. Related Service Information We reviewed Sikorsky S–92 Maintenance Manual 4–00–00, Temporary Revision No. 4–49, dated April 10, 2015, which establishes a replacement interval of 12,200 hours for housing, P/N 92358–06107–043. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS Proposed AD Requirements We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 80 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work hour. Based on these estimates, we expect the following costs. Replacing the housing would require 24 work-hours, and parts would cost $58,000 for a total cost of $60,040 per helicopter. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:56 Aug 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 § 39.13 59527 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Docket No. FAA–2015–7095; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–085–AD. SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION: (a) Applicability This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S–92A helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tail gearbox center housing, part number (P/N) 92358–06107–043, installed. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a tail gearbox center housing. This condition could result in failure of the tail rotor drive and consequently loss of helicopter control. (c) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by October 31, 2016. (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (e) Required Actions Before further flight, remove from service any tail gearbox housing, P/N 92358–06107– 043, that has 12,200 or more hours time-inservice. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kristopher Greer, aerospace engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone 781–238–7799; email Kristopher.Greer@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (g) Additional Information For service information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800Winged-S or 203–416–4299; email sikorskywcs@sikorsky.com. You may review a copy of the information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6520, Tail Rotor Gearbox. E:\FR\FM\30AUP1.SGM 30AUP1 59528 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 168 / Tuesday, August 30, 2016 / Proposed Rules Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 19, 2016. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–20672 Filed 8–29–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–9049; Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–039–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Model EMB–135BJ, –135ER, –135KE, –135KL, and –135LR airplanes; and Model EMB– 145, –145ER, –145MR, –145LR, –145XR, –145MP, and –145EP airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of main airspeed indication discrepancies during flight; these discrepancies resulted from ice blockages in certain pitot total pressure lines. This proposed AD would require an inspection for tube misalignment of the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube assembly lines, and corrective actions if necessary; installation or replacement (as applicable) of a tube ribbon heater on the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube assembly lines; and revision of the airplane flight manual (AFM) to provide certain procedures and airspeed tables for the flightcrew. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct water accumulating and freezing in the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 total pressure lines, which could result in erroneous main airspeed indications and consequent reduced ability of the flightcrew to maintain safe flight and landing of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 14, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:56 Aug 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer), Technical Publications Section (PC 060), Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 2170— ˜ Putim—12227–901 Sao Jose dos Campos—SP—Brasil; telephone +55 12 3927–5852 or +55 12 3309–0732; fax +55 12 3927–7546; email distrib@ embraer.com.br; Internet https:// www.flyembraer.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 9049; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1175; fax 425–227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2016–9049; Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–039–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion ˆ Agencia Nacional de Aviacao Civil ¸˜ (ANAC), which is the aviation authority for Brazil, has issued Brazilian Airworthiness Directive 2016–03–01, effective March 11, 2016 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Model EMB–135 airplanes, and Model EMB– 145, –145ER, –145MR, –145LR, –145XR, –145MP, and –145EP airplanes. The MCAI states: This [Brazilian] AD results from reports of main airspeed indication discrepancies during flight. The investigation has revealed that Pitot #1 and #2 total pressure line blockage may occur due to water accumulation and freezing during heavy rain conditions. We are issuing this [Brazilian] AD to prevent water accumulation and freezing in the Pitot #1 and Pitot #2 total pressure lines, which could result in erroneous main airspeed indications and reduce the ability of the flight crew to maintain the safe flight and landing of the airplane. Since this condition may occur in other airplanes of the same type and affects flight safety, a corrective action is required. Thus, sufficient reason exists to request compliance with this [Brazilian] AD . . . . The required actions include a general visual inspection for tube misalignment of pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube assembly lines. Corrective actions include replacement of affected pitot tubes with new pitot tubes. The required actions also include installation, or, for certain airplanes, replacement, of a tube ribbon heater on the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube assembly lines, and revision of the AFM to provide certain procedures and airspeed tables for the flightcrew. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 9049. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Embraer has issued the following service information. • Embraer Service Bulletin 145–30– 0056, Revision 01, dated March 31, 2014; and Embraer Service Bulletin 145LEG–30–0021, dated March 31, 2014. This service information describes E:\FR\FM\30AUP1.SGM 30AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 168 (Tuesday, August 30, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59526-59528]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20672]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-7095; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-085-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This 
proposed AD would require removing from service the tail gearbox center 
housing (housing) when it has 12,200 or more hours time-in-service 
(TIS). This proposed AD is prompted by fatigue analysis conducted by 
Sikorsky that determined the housing required a retirement life. The 
proposed actions are intended to prevent a crack in the housing, which 
could lead to loss of tail rotor drive and loss of helicopter control.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 31, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
7095; or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry 
Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; 
email sikorskywcs@sikorsky.com.
    You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, 
Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristopher Greer, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 
FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone 
781-238-7799; email Kristopher.Greer@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring

[[Page 59527]]

expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments 
we receive.

Discussion

    We propose to adopt a new AD for Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters 
with a housing, part number (P/N) 92358-06107-043, installed. This 
proposed AD would establish a life limit of 12,200 hours TIS for the 
housing by requiring that the housing be removed from service when it 
reaches 12,200 hours TIS. This proposed AD is prompted by an analysis 
conducted by Sikorsky on the Model S-92A helicopter for a gross weight 
increase that revealed higher than expected loads. The housing 
currently has no life limit. Sikorsky's analysis, which used updated 
load conditions and updated fatigue analysis software, determined 
housings that remain in service beyond 12,200 hours TIS present an 
unacceptable risk of cracking. This condition could result in loss of 
tail rotor drive and loss of helicopter control.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant 
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type 
designs.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Sikorsky S-92 Maintenance Manual 4-00-00, Temporary 
Revision No. 4-49, dated April 10, 2015, which establishes a 
replacement interval of 12,200 hours for housing, P/N 92358-06107-043.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, before further flight, removing 
from service any tail gearbox housing, P/N 92358-06107-043, that has 
12,200 or more hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 80 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect the following costs. Replacing the housing 
would require 24 work-hours, and parts would cost $58,000 for a total 
cost of $60,040 per helicopter.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2015-7095; Directorate 
Identifier 2015-SW-085-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) 
Model S-92A helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tail 
gearbox center housing, part number (P/N) 92358-06107-043, 
installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a tail 
gearbox center housing. This condition could result in failure of 
the tail rotor drive and consequently loss of helicopter control.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 31, 2016.

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Actions

    Before further flight, remove from service any tail gearbox 
housing, P/N 92358-06107-043, that has 12,200 or more hours time-in-
service.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kristopher Greer, 
aerospace engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, 
Massachusetts 01803; telephone 781-238-7799; email 
Kristopher.Greer@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    For service information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky 
Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, 
Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email 
sikorskywcs@sikorsky.com. You may review a copy of the information 
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6520, Tail Rotor 
Gearbox.


[[Page 59528]]


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 19, 2016.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-20672 Filed 8-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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